PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Eddie Murphy is set to lend his voice to the lead cartoon character in the Hong Kong Phooey film, according to reports.

The Hollywood star - who voiced Donkey in Shrek and Mushu the dragon in Mulan - will use his talents for the live action-animated big-screen adaptation of the 1970s animated TV series, reported Deadline.

Producers Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove are thrilled about Murphy's involvement, saying in a statement: "We could not be happier that Eddie Murphy will star as Phooey.

"There is no overstating his contributions to cinema, and to such enduring stars of family entertainments such as Shrek and Dr Doolittle. We look forward to watching him re-imagine yet another classic character."